Brough turns back on England

4th June 2013

Huddersfield Giants captain Danny Brough has ruled himself out of contention for England for the end-of-season World Cup.

The 30-year-old goalkicking half-back last night ended the long-running debate over his international future after another impressive performance in the Giants' 25-16 win over St Helens appeared to put him in contention for England's game against the Exiles on Friday week.

England coach Steve McNamara will announce his squad for the mid-season game at 2pm today but Brough has already made his mind up to reject any call-up.

Instead, he has pledged his allegiance once more to Scotland, for whom he qualifies through his grandfather and captained in the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

Brough was persuaded to switch allegiance by McNamara and selected for the second of last year's two games against the Exiles but he was omitted from the autumn international series and did not make this season's elite training squad.

He revealed he has already made himself available to Scotland coach Steve McCormack after becoming disillusioned over his treatment by McNamara.

"I don't want to be in it," he said. "That's definite. I'm not playing second fiddle every year.

"I'm going to play for Scotland if I get the opportunity. I've spoken to Steve and told him I'm available.”